A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Metabolite variations in faba bean ingredients: Unraveling the links between off-flavors and chemical compounds
Authors: Tuccillo, Fabio; Kårlund, Anna; Koistinen, Ville; Saini, Shania; Ahmed, Hany; Hanhineva, Kati; Sandell, Mari; Katina, Kati; Lampi, Anna-Maija
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Food Chemistry
Journal name in source: Food Chemistry
Article number: 143753
Volume: 479
ISSN: 0308-8146
eISSN: 1873-7072
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143753
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143753
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/485216379
Faba bean ingredients are attracting interest for their suitability in producing protein-rich plant-based foods. However, their sensory characteristics (e.g., bitterness) challenge consumer acceptance. This study explored variations in the metabolome and the links between metabolites and sensory attributes using UHPLC-qTOF-MS/MS analysis of faba bean flour, two protein concentrates, and protein isolate. Partial Least Squares regression identified metabolites contributing to sensory descriptors, and it was validated against the VirtuousMultiTaste platform. Genetic variation and processing methods contributed to the metabolite composition of faba bean ingredients. We annotated 115 compounds with choline and vicine having the highest relative abundance. Five clusters suggested cultivar-specificity and process-related differences. Several compounds were linked to bitterness and mouth-drying orosensation, including caprolactam, gingerglycolipid, lysine, and vicine. Some compounds were reported as potentially bitter for the first time. This study lays the foundation for further research on the bitterness of these compounds and receptor-level investigations for targeted flavor optimization.
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Funding information in the publication:
The authors acknowledge financial support from The University of Helsinki Doctoral School (UHDS) and the project HealthFerm, which is co-funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe grant agreement No. 101060247 and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) under contract No. 22.00210. Views
and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor REA can be held responsible for them.